PublishDrive
AI in Publishing: Insights From 250 Authors & Publishers
updated
In this episode, Danica Favorite from PublishDrive sits down with Dale L. Roberts to talk practical, low- or no-cost book marketing that moves the needle—podcast guesting, local media, libraries, conferences, QR-code hacks, free promo sites, and simple video marketing you can start today. We also chat about Dale’s upcoming Kickstarter and why visibility—not platforms alone—sells books.
If you’ve ever thought “I published…now what?” this is your playbook.
What you’ll learn
Why “publish it and they will come” is a myth—and what to do instead
A step-by-step system to land podcast interviews (for free)
How to turn appearances into ongoing authority assets
Local media & libraries: exactly how indies can break in
Conferences: networking that actually sells books
The QR-code business card hack (no printing required)
Where to find free book promotion listings
Video marketing on a shoestring—start with what you have
Dale’s Kickstarter for his updated self-publishing series + workbook
Resources mentioned
Dale’s Kickstarter (notify on launch): daleLinks.com/kickstarter
Free promo site directories (Dale’s list): daleLinks.com/promosites
Podcast booking (free): podcastguests.com
PublishDrive Promotions (included with subscription): publishdrive.com
Brave New Bookshelf podcast (AI & publishing): youtube.com/@BraveNewBookshelf
Author Nation (Las Vegas): https://www.authornation.live/
Library apps: Libby/OverDrive
For more information about PublishDrive, visit: publishdrive.com
Read our blog: publishdrive.com/blog
Facebook: facebook.com/publishdrive
Twitter: twitter.com/publishdrive
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/publ…
Subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our latest videos!
We’ll cover practical strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and provide actionable tips to make metadata work for you. Additionally, get a downloadable Metadata Optimization Checklist to put what you’ve learned into action.
Whether you’re a new or experienced author, this session will empower you to connect your book with the readers searching for it. Let’s unlock the power of metadata and give your book the attention it deserves!
For those who need the slides, you can find them here: drive.google.com/file/d/1wD8ag-lZOZcNdzSqzatrDa3czKx1h-6Y/view?usp=sharing
Be sure to check out the other AWC Events!
1. AWC Website: authortubewritingconference.com
2. 2025 AWC Playlist: tinyurl.com/AWC-2025-Playlist
3. 2025 AWC Feedback Form (to enter GIVEAWAYS!):
tinyurl.com/2025-AWC-Feedback-Form
For more information about PublishDrive, visit: publishdrive.com
Read our blog: publishdrive.com/blog
Facebook: facebook.com/publishdrive
Twitter: twitter.com/publishdrive
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/publ…
Subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our latest videos!
(You can reach Spotify, plus other major audiobook channels with PublishDrive!)
Chelle Honiker, co-founder of Indie Author Magazine, shares how AI has made their content more accessible through audio. This episode is packed with insights on automating processes, the indie publishing journey, and more.
→ bravenewbookshelf.com/episode-11
Kobo is a must-consider platform. With over 25% of the Canadian ebook market and a presence in 200+ countries, Kobo offers a vast catalog of 1.5M+ ebooks and 150K audiobooks. Plus, its subscription program, Kobo Plus, gives readers access to an extensive library for a small monthly fee.
There are 2 ways to publish
Option 1: Publish directly on Kobo Writing Life.
Option 2: Use an aggregator like PublishDrive. Distribute your book to 400+ stores and 240K libraries worldwide, including Kobo, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more. It's free to publish your first ebook.
Links mentioned:
publishdrive.com/kobo-distribution-and-benefits
publishdrive.com
kobowritinglife.com
Segments:
0:00 Intro
0:24 About Kobo
1:22 Author Insights
2:30 How to Self-Publish on Kobo
3:45 How to Publish Wide via PublishDrive
#selfpublishing #publishingtips
✨ Metadata Generator
Generate strategic book metadata: titles, descriptions, keywords, categories, and more. The AI analyzes your manuscript to create smart, marketing-friendly metadata that boosts your book’s discoverability, ranks higher in search results, and targets your ideal audience.
🎨 Cover Image Generator
Design stunning, genre-specific book covers effortlessly. The AI reads your manuscript to generate professional, competitive cover concepts—no design skills needed. Perfect for new releases or revamping older titles.
With polished metadata and an eye-catching cover, your book will not only stand out but sell. Start for free with PublishDrive’s Publishing Assistant.
Learn more: publishdrive.com/publishing-assistant
#selfpublishing #bookmarketing #aibook
How it works:
1️⃣ Upload your manuscript to the Publishing Assistant.
2️⃣ Let AI generate cover concepts that match your genre, audience, and unique voice.
3️⃣ Customize effortlessly: adjust titles, fonts, backgrounds, and more. No design skills needed.
Let's turn your book’s visibility into sales!
Learn more: publishdrive.com/cover-image-generator
#BookCoverDesign #SelfPublishing #PublishingTools
Discover how to elevate your ebooks with ease and confidence. Reserve your spot and take your next step toward a visually stunning and successful book!
In this video, we cover 6 great alternatives to KDP, including both retailers and aggregators. Learn about Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Google Play Books, BookBaby, and PublishDrive. Each offers unique benefits and wider reach for your books.
Links mentioned in this video:
publishdrive.com/stores
Sections:
Intro 00:00
Retailers vs Aggregators 00:18
#1 Apple Books 01:23
#2 Kobo 01:57
#3 Barnes & Noble 02:13
#4 Google Play Books 02:45
#5 BookBaby 03:10
#6 PublishDrive 03:28
Outro 04:31
This video is a simple guide on how to self-publish your book on Apple Books.
Useful links:
How to publish on Apple Books: publishdrive.com/how-to-publish-on-apple-books.html
Guide to Book Metadata: publishdrive.com/book-metadata-guide.html
Apple Books Ebook Technical Specifications: help.apple.com/itc/booksassetguide/en.lproj/static.html
PublishDrive Free Ebook Converter: converter.publishdrive.com
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:11 Why Apple Books?
01:17 Two Ways to Publish on Apple Books
01:46 Publishing Directly Through Apple
02:53 Publishing via PublishDrive
04:30 Outro
We’re focusing on the Book Metadata Generator, the first feature of the Publishing Assistant. This nifty tool reads your entire book and gives metadata suggestions like catchy blurbs, Amazon categories, Amazon keywords, BISAC codes, and more.
Book metadata is essential in publishing. It’s like the DNA of your book, helping it get discovered by the right readers. Good metadata ensures that your book appears in relevant search results and categories, boosting visibility and sales. From attention-grabbing blurbs to accurate categories and keywords, well-crafted metadata can make a significant difference in your book’s success.
So, stick around as we show you how this tool can simplify your publishing journey and help you craft effective book metadata.
Subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our latest videos!
PublishDrive
Write more. Worry less.
Discover the differences in royalty rates, the impact of advances, and how self-publishing can boost your earnings. Plus, we share some self-publishing best practices like diversifying your distribution and using aggregators to streamline publishing & book promotion.
Links mentioned in the video:
publishdrive.com/what-is-the-typical-royalty-rate-for-an-author.html
youtube.com/watch?v=hyKHxjPXtD4&ab_channel=PublishDrive
For more information about PublishDrive, visit: publishdrive.com
Read our blog: publishdrive.com/blog
Join our community: facebook.com/groups/1443135315733609
Facebook: facebook.com/publishdrive
Twitter: twitter.com/publishdrive
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/publishdrive
Subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our latest videos!
PublishDrive
Write more. Worry less.
Barnes & Noble Press is their self-publishing platform where you can publish both ebooks and print books for free. With millions of readers on barnesandnoble.com and the NOOK app, you’ve got a big audience waiting.
If you’re looking to publish audiobooks, you’ll need to use a 3rd party service like Findaway Voices or an aggregator like PublishDrive.
Also, keep in mind that Barnes & Noble’s reach is mostly US-focused. To sell globally, you’ll want to publish wide, meaning across multiple markets and platforms. This is where an aggregator like PublishDrive comes in handy. It simplifies the process, allowing you to manage all your channels from a single dashboard.
Plus, PublishDrive offers tools that go beyond just publishing, like sales analytics, royalty reporting, formatting tools, metadata optimization, and marketing options.
And if you’re already selling on Barnes & Noble, you can transfer your books in bulk without losing your reviews and ratings.
Watch the video for more details. ✨
Helpful links:
publishdrive.com/authors-earn-more-with-subscription-based-aggregation.html
calculator.publishdrive.com
For more information about PublishDrive, visit: publishdrive.com
Read our blog: publishdrive.com/blog
PublishDrive
Write more. Worry less.
0:00 Intro
0:24 What Barnes & Noble Press Offers
1:51 How to Self-Publish on Barnes & Noble Press
2:44 What Barnes & Noble Press Misses
3:00 Publishing Wide With PublishDrive
5:41 Outro
One of her key points: publishing wide helps you connect with readers in countries you might not have reached otherwise.
Hit play to catch the whole conversation!
For more information about PublishDrive, visit: publishdrive.com
Subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our latest videos!
PublishDrive
Write more. Worry less.
1. Start with crafting a solid strategy.
2. Then, choose the best tactics that align with your strategy.
3. Finally, organize everything into a timeline that fits your book launch and publishing schedule.
Plus, you can add PublishDrive’s promotion services to your strategy to give your book the extra push it needs. Ready to turn those pages into sales? Let’s dive in!
Read the full three-step guide with the timeline example here: publishdrive.com/indie-book-marketing-plan-book-marketing-timeline.html
For more information about PublishDrive, visit: publishdrive.com
Read our blog: publishdrive.com/blog
Join our community: facebook.com/groups/1443135315733609
Facebook: facebook.com/publishdrive
Twitter: twitter.com/publishdrive
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/publishdrive/mycompany
Subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our latest videos!
PublishDrive
Write more. Worry less.
Besides the extensive distribution list, you also get access to our ebook converter, sales analytics, AI chatbot, and help center. But the best part is that you keep 100% of your royalties, no strings attached.
If you’re looking for more tools and features, our paid plans come with added support and marketing tools, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means that if you’re not happy with the paid plan you chose, you can contact our support team within 30 days and ask for a full refund.
Check out the details in this video, and if you have any questions, drop them in the comments section.
Ready to start your publishing journey?
For more information about PublishDrive, visit: publishdrive.com
Read our blog: publishdrive.com/blog
Join our community: facebook.com/groups/1443135315733609
Facebook: facebook.com/publishdrive
Twitter: twitter.com/publishdrive
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/publishdrive
Subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our latest videos!
PublishDrive
Write more. Worry less.
In this video, we’ll show you exactly how to self-publish your book in six simple steps. From writing and editing to designing a standout cover and getting your book into the market, we’ve got all the essentials covered.
Whether you're just starting out or need a refresher, this guide will help you navigate the entire process smoothly
Useful links:
How to format ebook: publishdrive.com/prepare-manuscript-ebook-conversion.html
How to format audiobook: publishdrive.com/how-to-publish-an-audiobook.html
How to format print: publishdrive.com/how-to-make-a-print-ready-pdf-for-your-book.html
How to create a book marketing plan: publishdrive.com/indie-book-marketing-plan-book-marketing-timeline.html
How to find a professional book editor: publishdrive.com/how-to-find-an-editor-for-your-book.html
Full guide on how to publish your book: publishdrive.com/how-to-get-a-book-published.html
Got questions? Drop them in the comments! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our latest videos.
PublishDrive
Write more. Worry less.
- Setting up Amazon Ads quickly and managing them with ease
- Boosting book sales through Written Word Media's promotional channels
- Scheduling price promotions across stores like Apple Books and Barnes & Noble
- Participating in sales events with retail partners like OverDrive and Kobo
- Submitting your book for featuring opportunities with major stores
- Collecting reviews using the Review Copy tool to enhance your book’s credibility
- Sharing your achievements on PublishDrive’s social media channels
- Check out these tools on PublishDrive to take your book marketing to the next level.
To learn more, go to:
publishdrive.com/book-promotion-services.html
To see our success stories:
publishdrive.com/promotion-success-stories.html
To try PublishDrive for free, create an account here:
account.publishdrive.com/register
Subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our latest videos!
PublishDrive
Write more. Worry less.
What is KDP Select? KDP Select offers exclusive benefits within Amazon's ecosystem, such as inclusion in Kindle Unlimited (KU) and access to special promotional tools. However, it comes with trade-offs, like limited distribution options.
We’ll dive into the advantages of KDP Select, such as getting paid for page reads and leveraging Amazon’s massive reach. But we’ll also discuss the downsides, like the restricted content distribution and the risk of relying solely on one platform.
On the flip side, publishing wide allows you to distribute your book across multiple platforms, reaching a broader audience and diversifying your income streams. We’ll cover the benefits of discoverability and reduced risk, as well as the challenges of managing multiple markets and promotional strategies (check out the video on PublishDrive's book marketing options: youtube.com/watch?v=5emw7Koty7o)
By the end of this video, you'll have a clear understanding of both publishing paths, helping you decide whether to go exclusive with KDP Select or publish wide across various platforms.
Subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our latest videos!
PublishDrive
Write more. Worry less.


